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Fossil fuel dependence is gradually waning, renewable sources are on the increase, and nuclear power causes its usual divisions of opinion. However, down on the south bank of the river Thames power is being restored through a wholly different climateofchange… and an old icon is getting a facelift as well as a complete new purpose in life.

Until we speak again, Battersea seems to be the word for architectural puzzles these days… not just for dogs!

It’s the height of the summer season when tourists and locals alike seek to take those all important memorable photographic reminders. So, come to Cardiff and add to your collection of photographs of, er… metal!

We have a newfound worship of the stuff at the historic heart of the city as StJohn’sChurch adopts a form of icon hibernation…

And if its culture you are seeking, just try the NationalMuseumofWales, with its strangely tent-like impersonation…

There just might be a case of contagion, as the museum’s corporation neighbour of CityHall belies its usual finery by angling to get in on the act…

Then there is the world renowned sporting arena of the MilleniumStadium (no product endorsements for financial institutions here!) sporting a partial makeover…

Fear not, surely views down StMaryStreet towards the castle will be spared; but HodgeHouse has other ideas…

Until we speak again, you might be forgiven for thinking Cardiff has become the home of heavy metal!

Cardiff has a researched reputation for being the wettest city in the UK, but any cats put off by a little water need not worry about visiting the city. For a start, 60% of days in the year don’t experience any rainfall! What’s more, on a few of these Cardiffians have even been known to recognise the sun as some mysterious bright sphere in the sky.

So that got me thinking about all of the wonderful sights around the world that are framed by a deep blue sky. And, you know what, Cardiff can rival each of them on its day.

Take Dubrovnik in Croatia, for example. The old port looks quite stunning when viewed on a sunny day…

But then, so does the old port in Cardiff, given a chance…

As for a view of the Sponza Palace framing the blue stuff…

Just try out the Millennium Stadium for size…

Then there is the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, or the Bell Tower in Hydra (Greece); all very perpendicular, or phallic, depending on your outlook…

But any unsuspecting seagull soaring over the Bute East Dock in Cardiff had better maintain supreme surveillance, if a headache is to be avoided…

As for historic finery, the Duomo in Milan has few rivals…

But don’t underestimate the majesty of Cardiff City Hall either…

Raffles City in Singapore and the Lippo Tower in Hong Kong may stake their claims for attracting the awe of passing visitors…

But, be prepared to be stunned when you meander around Cardiff Bay to see the Pierhead Building…

Until we speak again, enjoy your travels, but don’t forget to admire the beauty that exists closer to home!